Highly Commended in the prestigious Teach Early Years Full Programme Award category
We’re delighted that Little Link, our comprehensive speech, language and communication package for children aged 2–5, has recently been recognised as Highly Commended for the prestigious Teach Early Years Full Programme Award. The judges commented:
“Little Link has a clear focus on speech, language and communication and has been developed by speech and language therapists. It brings together standardised assessment, practitioner training, language enrichment, progress tracking and access to specialist support, which makes it quite a comprehensive offer.
“The intention to help practitioners build their knowledge and use language-supportive strategies in everyday provision is a particular strength.”
Speech, language and communication skills underpin everything children do. They are the foundation for learning, literacy, friendships, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and future success. Yet across the UK, increasing numbers of children are entering education without the language skills they need to thrive, while access to specialist support has become increasingly challenging.
It was this growing need that inspired our specialist team of speech and language therapists to develop Little Link for today’s early years settings.
“The combination of a robust identification tool, high-quality and engaging enrichment resources, and meaningful staff development makes it stand out from many commercially available alternatives.” – Abigail Hawkins, SENCO/SEND Specialist
Little Link was created to help early years practitioners confidently support every child’s communication development while identifying those who may need additional help as early as possible. The package combines all the key elements required for effective speech and language support into one integrated solution.
These include:
● Pre-phonics and early speech development activities
● A robust, standardised language screen for children aged 3–5
● Workforce-wide professional development and training
● Progress tracking and reporting tools
● Unlimited access to specialist speech and language therapist advice
At the heart of Little Link sits the Little Link Toolkit, a professional development programme that helps practitioners understand language needs and development and confidently use evidence-based communication strategies throughout the day. Rather than intervention sessions alone, Little Link empowers staff to turn everyday interactions into opportunities for language growth.
“It has had a positive impact on our children who really enjoyed the stories and activities.” – Kelly Harris, Nursery Supervisor
“…as [communication and language] improved, a lot of their other skills improved – their independence, their social skills, their understanding.” – Adam James, Preschool Manager
Children learn best when they are engaged, and Little Link has been designed with this firmly in mind.
The programme uses story-based learning centred around the everyday adventures of Ben and Ted, creating familiar, enjoyable experiences for learners. Sessions combine everything children love: stories, imaginative play, tabletop activities, outdoor learning and rhythm and rhyme to develop a variety of skills including vocabulary, concepts, listening skills, emotional literacy, attention and phonological awareness.
Inclusivity is embedded throughout Little Link. The programme is designed to benefit all children through a universal approach while providing enhanced support for those requiring additional help, including children with SEND and those learning English as an Additional Language.
Because every child participates in the programme, settings can strengthen language development across the entire cohort without creating unnecessary barriers to inclusion.
The package also helps build important foundations for literacy and school readiness, supporting children as they prepare for the transition into school.
The impact of Little Link extends beyond positive practitioner feedback.
A comparative study conducted in 2025 found that children participating in Little Link made accelerated progress in vocabulary development, grammar, social use of language and school readiness measures compared with children receiving usual provision. Positive outcomes were evident across diverse learner groups, including children with identified language needs and EAL learners.
Practitioners also reported increased confidence, improved understanding of language development and continued use of language-supportive strategies long after programme delivery.
Practitioners highly value the support available via the Speech & Language Link Help Desk. Settings have direct access to experienced former education staff and qualified speech and language therapists who understand the realities of busy early-years life and communication development and needs.
“Little Link fills an important gap in provision for our youngest and most vulnerable learners. I would recommend it as a valuable resource for any nursery or EYFS setting seeking to strengthen its approach to language and communication.” – Abigail Hawkins, SENCO/SEND Specialist
By combining so much within one package, Little Link is helping early years settings build communication-rich environments where every child can develop the language skills they need to succeed.
Find out more about Little Link and how it can support your setting
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